Alexei Volkov
Desk mats are a great way to protect your desk from scratches and stains, as well as adding traction for your keyboard and mouse. They also help to define your workstation and keep your documents organised. When it comes to choosing the best desk mat, there are a variety of materials to choose from, including leather, cork, felt, and plastic. While plastic desk mats are widely available and affordable, they may not be the best option in the long run due to their poor durability and negative environmental impact. Alternatives such as tempered glass, bamboo, or vinyl may be more expensive but offer better durability and a more sustainable option. So, while plastic desk mats may seem like a cheap and convenient option, it's important to consider the hidden costs and potential drawbacks associated with them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Protect the desk, provide traction, organise cords |
| Materials | Leather, vegan leather, cork, plastic, felt, polyester, microfiber |
| Best Overall | Grovemade Desk Mat & Protector |
| Best Overall Runner-Up | Oakywood Felt&Cork Desk Mat |
| Best Value | Ikea Susig Desk Pad |
| Price Range | $29.99-$219.99 |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic mats are ideal for hard floors
The Marvelux Clear Floor Protector Mat is a great example of a plastic mat ideal for hard floors. It is made from phthalate-free PVC and features an easy-to-clean waterproof surface. The clear design and thin profile of the mat allow it to blend seamlessly into any space, complementing all decor while still showing off the beautiful flooring. This mat is also pet and family-friendly, being free from toxins such as BPA, lead, and cadmium.
Desk mats, in particular, are designed to protect the desk surface from nicks, scratches, and ink stains, while also providing added traction for wireless mice and preventing keyboards from sliding. They can also be used for aesthetic purposes, to define your workstation and elevate your desk setup. Popular materials for desk mats include genuine leather, vegan leather, cork, plastic, felt, and textiles such as polyester or microfiber.
While plastic mats are ideal for hard floors, it is worth noting that there are also specific desk mats designed for carpeted floors. These mats are thicker and usually have a different texture to provide a smooth rolling experience for office chairs on carpets. Some examples of desk mats for carpets include wooden tiles and the Grovemade Desk Mat & Protector.
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Cork mats provide excellent traction
Desk mats are designed to protect desks from scratches and stains, prevent keyboards from sliding, and add traction for wireless mice. The most popular materials for desk mats include leather, vegan leather, cork, plastic, felt, and textiles. Cork is a particularly good choice for desk mats as it provides excellent traction.
Cork mats provide superior grip, especially when wet, outperforming many rubber and PVC alternatives. The natural texture of cork, composed of millions of tiny air-filled chambers, creates a textured surface that provides traction. This traction improves as moisture is introduced, making cork mats ideal for hot yoga or high-intensity practices.
The antimicrobial and antibacterial properties of cork also make it easier to keep cork mats clean. The natural resins in cork are activated when moisture is introduced, enhancing the mat's grip. Cork mats are also biodegradable and eco-friendly, making them a sustainable solution.
Cork mats are also durable and provide excellent cushioning, making them perfect for joint support and comfort during yoga practice. The firmness of cork mats offers better support for joint alignment and stability in standing poses. The thickness of cork mats can vary, with some mats designed specifically for travel, providing a lightweight and thin option for yogis on the go.
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Mats with additional features, like cord organisation
If you're looking for a desk mat with cord organisation features, there are several options to consider. One option is the Orbitkey Desk Mat, which has a magnetic cable holder that can be moved along the toolbar to keep your cable in place and within reach. The Orbitkey Desk Mat also provides a dedicated space for stationery and small accessories, helping you organise your work tools and protect your desk from scratches, stains and spills. It is made of premium vegan leather, which is durable, water-repellent and easy to clean.
Another option is the Nordik Leather Desk Mat, which features a large surface and a loop to feed a cord through. While the "cord organiser" is simply a slim loop of faux leather, it can hold a monitor cable and a charging cable. This desk mat offers good value for money and, after six months of testing, still looks good and holds up well to daily use.
If you already have a desk mat without cord organisation features, you can purchase a separate under-desk cable management tray, such as the Cinati Under-Desk Cable Management Tray, to keep your cords within reach and minimise clutter.
When choosing a desk mat, it's important to consider not only the additional features but also the overall functionality and aesthetics. Desk mats can elevate your workstation by providing protection, preventing keyboards from sliding, adding traction for a wireless mouse, and keeping documents and pens organised.
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Plastic mats are better than hard plastic
Desk mats are primarily designed to protect a desk from scratches, nicks, and stains, as well as to provide traction for items like wireless mice and keyboards. While there are various materials to choose from, including leather, cork, and felt, plastic mats offer several advantages over hard plastic surfaces.
Plastic mats are superior to hard plastic surfaces in terms of both functionality and aesthetics. Firstly, they provide a smoother and more comfortable rolling experience for office chairs. The wheels of a chair can easily glide over a plastic mat, reducing friction and the effort required to move the chair. This not only improves productivity but also helps prevent back pain and other health issues that can arise from struggling to move a chair on a high-friction surface. Secondly, plastic mats protect the underlying floor or carpet from damage caused by chair casters, which can leave indentations, marks, and scratches over time.
In addition to their practical benefits, plastic mats offer greater flexibility in terms of aesthetics. They are available in a range of colours and can be custom-shaped to fit specific spaces or preferences. This allows for a more personalized and visually appealing workspace.
When it comes to the type of plastic used in mats, polycarbonate is a superior choice to traditional PVC. Polycarbonate mats are more durable and long-lasting, retaining their shape and rigidity even under pressure. PVC mats, on the other hand, tend to flex, dimple, and change shape over time, requiring more frequent replacements. Polycarbonate mats also stay flat on the floor, avoiding the frustration of having to constantly adjust a curling mat.
Overall, plastic mats offer a more comfortable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing option compared to hard plastic surfaces. They protect both the floor and the user's back, while also allowing for customization and a smoother workspace experience.
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Plastic mats are good value for money
Plastic mats are a good option for those looking for an affordable and accessible solution to protect their desks and floors. They are widely available, with prices ranging from $20 to $75, making them a convenient and cost-effective choice for many. You can easily find them at your local office supply store or online, which means you won't have to wait long to start enjoying the benefits of a desk mat.
Desk mats are an excellent way to define your workstation, add traction for your mouse, and protect your desk's surface from scratches, stains, and wear and tear. They also help prevent your keyboard from sliding around. Plastic mats are particularly useful for hard flooring surfaces like wood, tile, and vinyl. Their smooth underside is designed to grip onto these surfaces and prevent sliding.
While plastic mats may not be the most durable option, with frequent use they can still offer adequate protection for your floors and furniture. They are susceptible to cracking, warping, or breaking under continuous stress, so they may need to be replaced more often than other materials. However, their affordability and accessibility make them a good choice for those on a budget or looking for a quick solution.
Additionally, plastic mats can be a good temporary solution if you're setting up a new office space or workstation. They can protect your flooring and furniture while you decide on a more permanent option. This flexibility is especially beneficial if you're still experimenting with different setups and configurations.
Overall, plastic mats offer a good balance between cost and functionality. While they may not be as durable as some other materials, they are widely available, affordable, and effective at protecting your workstation. For those looking for a simple and economical solution, plastic mats are a great option that won't break the bank.
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Frequently asked questions
The best plastic mat desk for your home office depends on your needs and preferences. The PLÖJA desk pad from IKEA is a good option if you're looking for something affordable and simple. It's made of plastic, has rounded corners, and is translucent white. It protects your desk from dirt, scratches, and stains. However, some reviews mention that it can be a bit slippery and may move around on your desk.
There are also other options available on Amazon, Wayfair, and Etsy, offering a range of colours, sizes, and materials to choose from. These options may include more features, such as non-skid rubber backing, but may also be more expensive.
The size of your plastic mat desk depends on the size of your desk. Larger desks will typically require larger mats, usually around 48 by 23 inches, while smaller workstations will need smaller mats, often near 24 by 13 inches.
Plastic mat desks offer several benefits. They can protect your desk from dirt, scratches, and stains, extend the life of your desk, and provide a smooth and even surface for writing or drawing. Additionally, they can be aesthetically pleasing and elevate the look of your workspace.
One potential drawback of using a plastic mat desk is that they can sometimes be slippery and move around on your desk, as mentioned in some reviews of the PLÖJA desk pad. Additionally, if you have pets, their hair may not vacuum off the plastic surface very easily.
Yes, there are alternative materials to consider for your desk mat. Cork is a popular option as it provides excellent traction and can prevent slipping. Leather, felt, and various textiles, such as polyester or microfiber, are also common materials used for desk mats, offering different features and benefits.
